Breakfast with Buddha

A Novel

By: Roland Merullo

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

When his sister tricks him into taking her guru on a trip to their childhood home, Otto Ringling, a confirmed skeptic, is not amused. Six days on the road with an enigmatic holy man who answers every question with a riddle is not what he'd planned. But in an effort to westernize his passenger---and amuse himself---he decides to show the monk some "American fun" along the way. From a chocolate factory in Hershey to a bowling alley in South Bend, from a Cubs game at Wrigley field to his family farm near Bismarck, Otto is given the remarkable opportunity to see his world---and more important, his life---through someone else's eyes. Gradually, skepticism yields to amazement as he realizes that his companion might just be the real thing. In Roland Merullo's masterful hands, Otto tells his story with all the wonder, bemusement, and wry humor of a man who unwittingly finds what he's missing in the most unexpected place.

©2007 Roland Merullo (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The skillful Merullo, using the lightest of touches, slowly turns this low-key comedy into a moving story of spiritual awakening." ( Booklist)

Liked it more than I thought I would

This was a gentle story without a lot of drama but I think I will listen to it again. But first I want to meditate. (Have thought about meditation many times but this led me to be motivated to do so. I cared a lot about the characters and was sorry to say goodbye to them.

Bowling is Great Fun!

Breakfast with Buddha was a fun and thought-provoking book. I like how the characters were thrown together and how their personalities are so opposed at the start of the story. As the road trip progresses they have many funny experiences, I laughed out loud quiet a few times. There is a side to the story that encourages you to look at the world and think about your personal beliefs without ever feeling preachy or telling you how to react to the ideas presented. I really enjoyed the story and found myself wishing I was on that road trip and going bowling with Rinpoche.

inspiring

What made the experience of listening to Breakfast with Buddha the most enjoyable?

the learnings

What other book might you compare Breakfast with Buddha to and why?

Tiny, beautiful things by Cheryl Strayed. Both help you to spiritually grow

Which scene was your favorite?

when they're in a restaurant and the monk things a man talking on a headphone is talking to himself.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

both

Any additional comments?

it's too short!!

Best book I've read in 2014

What did you love best about Breakfast with Buddha?

Found myself nodding at times and thinking, this book as to be a terrific auto-biography, then discovered it was a work of fiction.

What did you like best about this story?

Except for that disappointment, self reflection was readily available through this work, and the underlying message was clearly understood. This is a wholesome, entertaining and enjoyable book for anyone who would enjoy finding one of those books that is difficult to put down. I can easily see myself re-reading this book in a few years.

Have you listened to any of Sean Runnette’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first time to hear Sean Runnette, but I believe most books of this genre would be better served by his readership. Robert Crais would do well to hire him for his next series of books.

Who was the most memorable character of Breakfast with Buddha and why?

The two main characters -- read the book, and you will understand.

Food, travel and inner peace

Breakfast with Buddha takes the classic American road trip novel and marries it with man’s search for meaning. The philosophy is subtle and invites you to question your thoughts as Otto does the same. Well paced and a good balance of the buddy novel with a philosophical dialogue.

Excellent and delightful

The story was wonderful and entertaining. Sometimes the narrator didn't vary his voice enough during conversations between the males and females. I will be reading and listening to more of this authors books with anticipation

Different

Enjoyed it!! Almost gave up in the first few chapters as it is a bit monotonous listening to the muddled aged Caucasian go in about his life/family/ meeting habits but hang in as the story gets much better!

Nice story, decent preformance.

Would you consider the audio edition of Breakfast with Buddha to be better than the print version?

NA

What other book might you compare Breakfast with Buddha to and why?

Not sure.

Any additional comments?

Nice warming story of personal discovery.. A little sappy at places, but a nice listen.

Amazing book

Love the story line and the subtle insights to living well! I would put this as a must read for anyone starting out in meditation or mindful living.

A very good listen!

This book is part travelog (through the midwest - somehow making places I never thought of visiting sound very appealing) and part story of possible awakening (I don't want to put in a spoiler).

The author makes the character of the Rinpoche (not really a Buddha) believable and likable and the relationship between him and the narrator evolves in a very intriguing way. The story is compelling and though it is not the type of book I typically listen to, I was glad I got it!